Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Cardamon the Queen of spices

Cardamom is also known as Chhoti Elaichi in India. It is a highly valued
herbal spice that is used as a culinary agent in Asian cuisines because
of its intrinsic flavoring capacity.

Moreover, when used as a home remedy it helps cure various ailments like
indigestion, nausea, lightheadedness, etc.This aromatic spice is
straw-green to bright-green in color with small, black seeds inside a
pod. The fibrous, oval pod has about 8 to 16 seeds.

There is another variety of this herb, that is, Black Cardamom or Cardamomum amomum which is mostly found in Asia and Australia.

Benefits of cardamom

Cardamom is the third most expensive spice in the world and is
considered as the “Queen of Spices”. The seeds have a sweet aroma and
slightly pungent taste.

Its essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of cardamom seeds.
The oil and left over resin is used in processed foods, liqueurs and
perfumes.

Native Region

This herb is native to Southern Asia, distributed from Southern India to
Sri Lanka. It is also grown in Vietnam, Thailand, Guatemala, Laos,
Costa Rica, Tanzania and El Salvador.

The perennial bushy herb originally came into existence in the monsoon
forests of the Western Ghats in southern India. It is a tropical herb
plant that belongs to the ginger family Zingiberaceae.

Furthermore, the herb works as a mild circulatory stimulant. This warm
spice improves blood circulation to the lungs. Plus, it can help lower
blood pressure, especially in case of primary hypertension.

The therapeutic herb also promotes urination and aids in detoxification
of the body. Cardamom (Elaichi) benefits the immune system as well.

In addition, studies show that it has antioxidant properties that can
increase the levels of glutathione (a natural antioxidant in the body).
It is also believed to have antitumor qualities.

Cardamom essential oil has a balsamic aroma and expectorant qualities.
Thus, when used in aromatherapy, it helps break up mucus and congestion
in sinuses and lungs. It is also beneficial for those suffering from
asthma or bronchitis.

It has a soothing effect on muscles, nervous system and gives mental
clarity. It is high in phytochemical cineole, which is a central nervous
stimulant. Further, the herb’s diaphoretic properties are useful in
increasing perspiration.

Moreover, cardamom or Elaichi is a good source of potassium, calcium,
magnesium, iron and manganese. Its pods contain essential volatile oils.
Plus, they are rich in vital vitamins like riboflavin, niacin and
vitamin C.

Cardamom benefits Uses of Cardamom

This digestive medicinal herb is used in rich curries. In Indian, Arabic, and Scandinavian desserts, it is used for flavoring.

Plus, cardamom is also included in Danish pastry making to increase the
aromatic sense of sweetness. It can be added in grape jelly, applesauce
and fruit salad too.

When added in coffee, it helps detoxify the caffeine in it. In addition,
cardamom seeds can simply be chewed as mouth freshener after a meal.

Moreover, it is used in certain rituals and ceremonies as well.
Interestingly, it has been a popular ingredient of old-time love potions
too.

Medicinal uses:

• As already mentioned, cardamom works as a great digestive tonic.
You can prepare a natural cure with this herb by mixing cardamom, ginger
and fennel seeds, taken in equal quantities.

Add one teaspoon of this mixture in a cup of water and put a pinch
of asafoetida in it. Take this infusion to get rid of abdominal gas.
• If you are searching for cardamom home remedies for indigestion
then you need to make a mixture of one teaspoon each of cardamom and
fennel seeds.

Crush this mixture and add a quarter teaspoon of the resultant
powder in a cup of water. Drink this solution two times in a day after
having meals.
• Gargling with an infusion of cinnamon and cardamom helps in the natural treatment of Pharyngitis and Sore Throat.

• Inhaling cardamom essential oil used in a steamer can reduce cough, cold and congestion.

• Consumption of one tablespoon of honey mixed with some cardamom seeds can improve eyesight and reduce nervous weakness.

• Cardamom benefits also include relief from headache caused by
indigestion. You just need to have cardamom tea to get rid of this
problem.

You can prepare this herbal tea by steeping a quarter teaspoon of
powdered cardamom seeds in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes. It helps
deal with issues like depression, exhaustion and stomach acidity as
well.
• Mix equal amounts of dried ginger, licorice, cardamom seeds and
crush it to make a fine powder. Have a teaspoon of this home medicine
along with honey to cure oral infections and toothache.

• Intake of lemon juice mixed with some sugar, and a pinch of
cardamom powder is highly beneficial in dealing with dizziness and
lightheadedness.

• Taking a combination of five drops of cardamom tincture and 15
drops of gentian tincture serves as one of the best cardamom home
remedies for increasing appetite. Follow this natural cure three times
in a day.

• (Elaichi) cardamom benefits patients suffering from celiac disease
because it helps combat the effects of gluten intolerance, to some
extent.

Precautions

When used in excess, cardamom tends to increase the secretion of gastric
acid, hence interfering with the digestive system. Moreover, it is not
considered suitable for individuals suffering from gallbladder disease.

Those who have ulcers should not take this herb too often. Besides, it
is believed that overuse of cardamom increases the risk of impotency.

Though not common still, some individuals can develop allergic contact dermatitis due to terpenes present in cardamom seeds.

As this aromatic herb is quite expensive in certain countries, people
often look for cardamom substitutes. Thus, you can try substituting
green cardamom with brown cardamom, ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg,
mace and other similar spices with strong fragrance.

Cardamom benefits when it is taken in moderate amounts. Nevertheless, as
there have been no trials with this herb (on humans), pregnant and
lactating women should be cautious while taking it.